Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of the splanchnic nerves in patients with chronic pancreatitis: results of single and repeated procedures in 11 patients.
Pain Pract
; 13(8): 621-6, 2013 Nov.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23301539
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Pain is a major problem for chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients. Unfortunately, medical therapy often fails. Endoscopic and surgical treatments are invasive, and results vary. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of the splanchnic nerves (RFSN) is a relatively new and minimally invasive procedure for treatment of intractable pain in CP patients. MATERIALS ANDMETHODS:
We retrospectively evaluated 18 RFSN procedures in 11 CP patients, all refractory to analgesics. Five patients underwent a second procedure; two patients underwent a third procedure. NRS pain scores were assessed. Complications, analgesics usage, and length of the pain-free period were recorded.RESULTS:
Radiofrequency ablation of the splanchnic nerves was effective in 15/18 interventions. The mean NRS pain score decreased from 7.7 ± 1.0 to 2.8 ± 2.7 (P ≤ 0.001). The pain-free period lasted for a median period of 45 weeks. The effect of repeated interventions was comparable to the initial procedure. One transient side effect was reported. Four patients reported significantly reduced analgesic usage; 4 patients completely stopped their pain medication.CONCLUSION:
Radiofrequency ablation of the splanchnic nerves is a minimally invasive, effective procedure for pain relief. After the effect has subsided, RFSN can be successfully repeated. RFSN might become an alternative treatment in a selected group of CP patients. A larger, randomized trial is justified to substantiate these findings.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Dolor Intratable
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Nervios Esplácnicos
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Ablación por Catéter
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Pancreatitis Crónica
Tipo de estudio:
Observational_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Adult
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Año:
2013
Tipo del documento:
Article